ON THE BARRICADES: Global Resistance Roundup, April-August 2008
https://lists.resist.ca/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/onthebarricadeshttp://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/globalresistance/* California: local workers protest despotic layoffs
* Detroit, Michigan: teachers protest layoffs
* Portland, Oregon: one-man protest and arrest at day labour centre
* Detroit, Michigan: American Axle workers protest at board meeting
despite police intimidation
* Texas: Airline workers protest at penny-pinching bosses
* New London, New Hampshire: Union protest
* Arizona: Librarians rally against cuts
* New Hampshire: Bridgeport job cuts protested
* Kansas City, Mo.: Firefighters protest at mayor's comments
* Connecticut: Trade unionists protest casino over union ban
* Denver, Colorado: Teachers stage mass sick-in
* Florida: Volusia teachers protest cuts
* Las Vegas, Nevada: Workers protest on Vegas Strip over construction site
safety
* Boston, Mass.: Airline workers protest no-tips policy
* Hawaii: Carpenters protest low pay by development agencies
* Baltimore: Newspaper guild holds protest at Baltimore Sun
* Dallas, Texas: Wriers' guild protest draws small numbers
* Kentucky: Workers protest Ellis Park opening over contracts
* California: vehicle agency workers protest cuts
* Seattle: metro drivers protest layoffs, rehiring
* Atlanta: pilots protest UPS over job loss risk
* California: State workers protest wage cuts
* St. Louis: Auto-workers protest factory closure
* California: Disneyland workers arrested at costumed entrance
http://www.10news.com/news/17052441/detail.html?rss=sand&psp=newsLocal Workers Protest Governor's Executive Order
POSTED: 11:51 am PDT July 31, 2008
UPDATED: 6:44 pm PDT July 31, 2008
SAN DIEGO -- State employees protested in San Diego and Chula Vista Thursday
after Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger signed an executive order authorizing
layoffs and wage cuts in response to the state's budget crisis.
The Legislature is a month late approving a budget.
California has a $15.2 billion deficit, and Democrats and Republicans have
been unable to agree on how to balance the budget.
Because the state is running out of money, Schwarzenegger signed an
executive order Thursday that lays off about 22,000 part-time, temporary and
contract workers and temporarily lowers the salaries of more than 200,000
full-time state employees to the federal minimum wage of $6.55 an hour.
The order also freezes hiring, bans overtime except for emergency and health
care workers, and suspends personal services contracts.
"This is not an action I take lightly," Schwarzenegger said.
The governor acknowledged that his action comes at a "tough time"
economically, and he apologized to state employees.
In San Diego County, members of the Service Employees International Union
Local 1000 protested at two locations.
About 50 mostly female workers gathered in front of the downtown State
Building, walking back and forth carrying signs that read "Pass a budget
now," "I'm worth more than minimum wage," and "We do our job, now do yours."
Lisa Davis, a program technician with the State Workers Compensation
Insurance Fund, said she expects pink slips to be handed out by the end of
Thursday or Friday.
"Most state workers' morale is very poor," Davis said.
That the state will reimburse employees for the difference between their
salaries and minimum wage once a budget is enacted doesn't make things
easier, she said.
"How are we supposed to survive if the budget isn't signed soon?" Davis
asked.
SEIU members also picketed in front of the Employment Development Department
office in Chula Vista, and other locations around the state.
http://www.clickondetroit.com/news/16599024/detail.htmlDPS Teachers Protest Layoffs
POSTED: 11:55 am EDT June 13, 2008
UPDATED: 7:44 pm EDT June 19, 2008
DETROIT -- The Detroit teachers' union protested a school district proposal
to lay off 818 of its members and delay raises Thursday.
Detroit Public Schools officials held a budget hearing Thursday and outlined
plans to avoid a shortfall of $408 million heading into the 2009 fiscal
year.
Federation of Teachers Executive Vice President Gregory Johnson says the
layoffs would cut the district's teaching ranks to about 6,000 and force
larger class sizes.
Some Detroit school teachers said cutting teachers is not the answer to the
difficult deficit question. Others are calling the plan ridiculous, adding
that the school district could save money by not being careless with its
spending.
Detroit Federation of Teachers President Virginia Cantwell said, "I'm angry
and upset They need to find that money someplace else and leave the
classroom alone. Let the teachers teach and let the children learn."
The district argues that teachers' cuts have not kept pace with declining
enrollment which is expected to dip to about 98,000 by this fall.
District spokesman Steve Wasko says 300 teachers already have received
layoff notices and another 518 could get them in August.
He says the school board could vote on the plan Thursday night.
http://www.katu.com/news/local/20188434.htmlLone protestor arrested at day labor center
Story Published: Jun 17, 2008 at 8:19 PM PDT
Story Updated: Jun 18, 2008 at 6:47 PM PDT
By KATU Web Staff
Video
PORTLAND, Ore. - A man vowed to get arrested while protesting Portland's
controversial new day labor center and on Tuesday he got his wish.
Tom Wenning staged a one-man protest this week outside the city-subsidized
center.
On Monday, officers gave Wenning a warning for blocking the driveway.
He said he would return on Tuesday and force police to arrest him and that's
what happened at 8 a.m.
Wenning has a court date to fight the criminal trespassing charge.
http://www.wsws.org/articles/2008/apr2008/axle-a25.shtmlDetroit: American Axle workers hold protest amidst heavy police presence
By Shannon Jones
25 April 2008
Use this version to print | Send this link by email | Email the author
Striking American Axle workers held a picket outside the company's
headquarters Thursday afternoon ahead of a scheduled stockholders meeting.
The UAW local at the striking plants in Detroit called the protest, which
drew about five hundred American Axle workers and supporters. The
demonstration followed the cancellation by the UAW of a strike support rally
set for last Friday in downtown Detroit.
Workers briefly blocked the entrance to American Axle headquarters before
dozens of heavily armed police cleared the street. The crowd regrouped on
the sidewalk in front of the headquarters before dispersing after about one
hour. There were no reports of arrests. The police presence, however, was
extremely heavy, in an evident attempt to intimidate the workers.
About 3,600 American Axle workers in Michigan and western New York have been
on strike since late February. They are resisting demands by the auto parts
supplier for wage cuts of up to 50 percent and a reduction in benefits.
Those participating in the protest evinced the determination of the working
class not to surrender its hard won gains. However, local level UAW
officials who attended the rally offered no policy to fight the attacks by
American Axle other than hurling insults at CEO Richard Dauch. Workers
continue to express frustration over the fact that they get no information
from either the local or the international union about the content of
negotiations. Reports in the media demonstrate that even prior to the strike
the UAW had agreed to substantial concessions to the auto parts
manufacturer.
The decision by the UAW to call off last week's scheduled rally has
evidently emboldened American Axle to take an even harder line. In a press
statement Tuesday the company demanded concessions equivalent to those
granted by the UAW to other parts suppliers and restated its threat to shut
down production at the striking plants. "If the International UAW is not
willing to consider a US market labor agreement...
AAM will be forced to plan
for the potential closure of some, or all of these uncompetitive
facilities," the statement declared.
WSWS supporters distributed a leaflet at the rally titled, "Appeal to
working class, not corporate shareholders, to back American Axle strike."
The statement called on American Axle workers to make a direct appeal to
workers in the auto industry to carry out a struggle against the concessions
accepted by the UAW.
The WSWS interviewed workers who attended the rally. Scott, a worker with 14
years seniority, told the WSWS that the turnout was "only a small percentage
of what we could have gotten. We needed this demonstration to boost up
morale, but I know that the shareholders don't care; they are with Dauch."
"They brought in the two-tier contract on us in 2004 and look at what is
happening to the Big Three workers. They have it now. If we accept more
concessions the same thing will happen to other workers. We have to take a
stand against this."
Scott spoke about his previous experience in the auto parts industry. "I
used to work for ITT Automotive. They went out of business in 1994. GM came
in and said they were unprofitable. But what was happening was they were
shifting production to other plants; we were paying for all the other plants
they were building. They shut us down and moved all their operations to
Ohio.
Scott said that workers saw signs that GM was preparing to resume operations
at plants idled by the strike. "What is making it bad is that GM is getting
parts from other plants. I heard that Dana is retooling to make our axles.
The truck plant in Arlington, Texas, is going back up. They say they are
getting parts from an undisclosed source."
"Sometimes I look at it and I think the union is selling us out," Scott
added. "They are walking this line and they are teetering, tottering. I
heard they even accepted the $14 before the strike. The only gripe was the
buydown."
Latanya Richardson, an American Axle worker with 13 years, told the WSWS,
"What happens to us will have a major impact on what happens overall. Next
they will go after others."
Like many workers we spoke to, Latanya was angered by the decision of the
UAW to call off the strike support rally set for last week. "It was a smack
in the face. We were told we were close to something - then they cancelled
it. I think it was to limit the exposure to us."
She was also unhappy about the lack of information from the UAW. "We should
know what we are getting into. The cost of living is getting worse. A lot of
us are sole providers; we have a lot to lose. We want to maintain what we
have established over the years. No one is getting rich. It just allows us
to be comfortable.
"It is definite that they want to eliminate the middle class. They want to
pay poverty wages for the working class."
Alex Clements said there was growing frustration and tension among American
Axle workers. "People are getting upset. We go back in there, and we won't
be able to buy the products we make.
"They cancelled the rally for no reason, they said they were close to an
agreement-and then they said there was no agreement. I think it was a ploy
or a trick."
Alex felt that strike pay should be increased, given that the UAW had close
to $750 million in its strike fund. "What are they saving it for? An
emergency? This is an emergency."
A worker from Chrysler Sterling Heights Assembly came to show his support
for the American Axle workers. He noted the provocative police presence
outside the American Axle corporate headquarters. "I think they are trying
to incite something."
He said that many workers had been prepared to attend the strike support
rally in Detroit the previous week. "They cancelled that day's rally and
they would have had people from all over the country there."
Latoya, who has worked at AAM for 10 years, said she would not accept having
her standard of living cut in half, which would happen if the UAW accepted
the cuts proposed by American Axle. "I am not willing to settle for just
having a job," she said. "We need jobs with decent wages."
http://www.kxan.com/global/story.asp?s=8206049
Workers for American Airlines pilots union protest
Posted: April 22, 2008 04:07 AM
FORT WORTH, Texas (AP) -- Unionized workers employed by the Allied Pilots
Association stood in picket lines Monday to protest what they say is the
penny-pinching ways of their managers.
Those managers are American Airlines pilots, the same ones who last week
stood in picket lines to bring attention to their fight to restore wage
concessions made five years ago to airline management.
The Allied Pilots Staff Employee Association represents 23 employees who
work for the pilots union. They include paralegals, graphic artists,
administrative assistants and other hourly employees.
The staff employees have been working without a contract for about 300 days,
said union spokeswoman Kathy Schroeder, a paralegal. The union agreed to
concessions in the last contract, which was signed five years ago, and now
wants those wage cuts restored, she said.
"It's sad that a union would treat its own loyal, unionized employees this
way," Schroeder said. The pilots association "needs to put our bargaining on
a fast track and restore our contract now," she said.
Allied Pilots Association spokesman Gregg Overman said negotiators for both
groups have been meeting for months to reach a new deal.
"We have tremendous respect for the contributions of our staff employees ...
and we absolutely support their right to collectively bargain," Overman
said.
Last week, pilots protested from London to San Francisco, with the picketing
ranging from a dozen pilots in some places to nearly 200 in others. The
pilots union and American, owned by AMR Corp., appear deadlocked in the
early stages of negotiations for a new contract, with pilots wanting 2003
wage concessions restored.
Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.
http://www.wtnh.com/global/story.asp?s=8204538
City workers protest in New London
Posted Apr. 21, 2008
5:30 PM
New London (WTNH) _ Dozens of union workers gathered on the steps of City
Hall in New London on Monday.
The city wants to eliminate almost all of the Office of Development and
Planning, a total of 12 jobs. City Councilor Michael Buscetto proposed the
idea and says there is too many plans and not enough development and feels
the city needs to do more with less.
Buscetto's plan would also create 10 new positions in Public Works, police
and fire departments. The proposal is expected to save the city $2 million.
Among those slated to lose their jobs is 18-year veteran, Judy Cox, who
helps provide loans to fix up some of the city's most blighted properties.
"The programs are all income based so they go to families that are low
income and just can't afford to hardly keep their house, let alone fix up
their house. So it would be a severe impact to the city," Cox said.
"Personally, it would be very bad. I'm a single mother, I've been a single
mother for 11 years. It would change a lot of lives, not just mine."
The proposed cuts have gotten the nod from the city's finance committee and
will be discussed at tonight's city council meeting.
A public hearing on the budget is scheduled for May 7.
http://www.azcentral.com/news/articles/2008/04/21/20080421mr-rally0422-on.html
School librarians plan rally to protest cuts
Apr. 21, 2008 11:05 AM
The Arizona Republic
Mesa Public School librarians and their supporters will rally at 6 p.m.
Tuesday, an hour before the school board meeting, to protest media
specialists being cut in the district.
Grappling to cut about $20 million from next year's budget, Superintendent
Debra Duvall and her team recently met with employees in three areas and
told them that librarians, nurses and speech experts will be cut over the
next three years and replaced with assistants and aides in an effort to save
millions.
Ann Ewbank, an Arizona State University librarian, said a group of Mesa
librarians met over the weekend to organize the protest, which includes the
rally, a new Web site (fundourfuturearizona.org), and an online petition
(gopetition.com/online/18626.html).
"It's not just about Mesa, but nationwide librarians are disappearing
because of budget cuts," Ewbank said.
Although the employee cuts are not on the meeting agenda, the Mesa school
board meets at 7 p.m. Tuesday to vote on another cost-saving measure:
whether to close Jordan Elementary.
Kirk Hinsey, president of the Mesa Education Association, which represents
about 4,500 district employees, said, "(The media specialists') biggest
concern is that they were not part of the process."
The savings associated with the new changes are unclear because that will
depend on personnel changes over the next few weeks, as employees are
reassigned.
Librarians
Now, there are media specialists at every school regardless of its size.
They are certified teachers, so they will be asked to move back into
classrooms.
http://www.wtnh.com/global/story.asp?s=8274786
Proposed job cuts met with protest in Bridgeport
By News Channel 8's Crystal Haynes
Posted May 05, 2008
5:55 PM
Bridgeport (WTNH) _ Connecticut cities are struggling to make ends meet.
And, Monday, proposed job and service cuts are being met with protest.
Emotions are running high as dozens gather ahead of Monday's city council
meeting. Inside, they'll discuss the mayor's budget but outside they're
ready to wage war for the city's children.
The raging budget battle has hit radio airwaves and a coalition of
healthcare workers, teachers and library staff hope the ad campaign delivers
the mighty blow needed to stop proposed cuts they say hurt children. "We
understand there need to be cuts but we should be sharing the pain and not
dumping them on the people who are the least able to defend themselves and
need the most help," Deborah Chernoff, of New England Health Care Employees
Union, stated.
The city's new fiscal budget includes cuts like $5 million to school budget.
"We're facing a horrible situation," Gary Peluchette, said. "We're facing
the possibility of the elimination of teaching jobs, not opening three new
schools that are near completion. Going back to half day kindergarten when
we have full day kindergarten throughout the district."
Plus, 90 proposed city layoffs would cut 20 school nurses and close
school-based health centers. This is a resource uninsured families say is
fundamental for proper healthcare. Also on the chopping block are the four
library branches and the renovation of the Black Rock branch that would come
to a halt.
Scott Hughes, of the Bridgeport Public Library, said, "It's not good,
because it's going to have negative impact on the quality of life. We have
all ages use the library so it's going to have an impact on the children."
Mayor Bill Finch says the impact of budget cuts is not lost on his office.
He says he is trying to make up a $10 million dollar deficit he inherited.
"Our budget deficit from the previously budget is so high that it requires
both a tax increase and a cut of services," Mayor Finch said. "It's
unfortunate that this happened. But we have to look at getting the kids safe
a different way, so that their parents don't have to lose their house
because they can't afford the taxes."
And the ads Mayor Finch calls 'politics' won't change that fact. He is
planning to announce how he will take the sting out of the cuts, by holding
a press conference Tuesday which will detail how he says the city may be
able to save school-based health centers and keep the libraries open.
http://www.kctv5.com/news/16118949/detail.html?rss=kan&psp=news
Firefighters Stand In Protest At City Hall
Firefighters Upset About Mayor's Pension Remarks
POSTED: 5:14 pm CDT May 1, 2008
UPDATED: 6:10 pm CDT May 1, 2008
KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Hundreds of Kansas City, Mo., firefighters swarmed City
Hall Thursday and stood in protest, upset about comments the mayor made
during a recent state of the city address.
The mayor discussed the possibility of doing away with pension plans for
future employees and implementing a newer contribution plan, something the
firefighters' union said was a surprise.
The firefighters were not scheduled to speak at Thursday's council meeting,
and the mayor did not address their concerns.
"Part of the compact with the city workers is to be able to retire with an
element of security and dignity," said Louie Wright, president of Local 42
IAFF. "The data is in. The most cost effective way to do that is through a
defined benefit system."
Funkhouser respected their right to assemble, he said, but said, "I also
have the right to bring up an issue that I think the community needs to
decide."
http://www.nbc30.com/news/16315734/detail.html?rss=har&psp=newsWorkers To Protest MGM Grand Opening
POSTED: 10:02 am EDT May 17, 2008
UPDATED: 3:29 pm EDT May 17, 2008
MASHANTUCKET, Conn. -- Workers are scheduled to demonstrate on Saturday and Sunday in protest against the weekend opening of a new MGM Grand casino at
Foxwoods.
Attorney General Dick Blumenthal's office facilitated an agreement between
the UAW, the Department of Transportation (DOT) and state police regarding
the protests after DOT initially denied UAW's permit requests, according to
a UAW statement.
The rallies will be held from 12 p.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m. to 12
p.m. Sunday at Route 2 outside of Foxwoods.
UAW members and labor and community allies are demonstrating because of
management's refusal to bargain a union contract, according to a UAW
statement. Working conditions have worsened since casino dealers voted to
unionize in November 2007, workers said.
"We're glad we could reach an agreement on this event that works for
everyone," said Bob Madore, director of UAW Region 9A, in a statement.
"We're going to be there, we protected our first amendment rights, and we
are confident we will get our message out."
· Related Story: Conn. Casinos Expand As Economy Slows
Some stars also will be in attendance for the grand opening, with Michael
Douglas, Catherine Zeta Jones, Jamie-Lynn Sigler, Jenny McCarthy and Salt 'n
Pepa among those slated to walk the red carpet.
The red-carpet walk, which takes place at 240 MGM Grand Drive in
Mashantucket, begins at 7 p.m. Saturday, followed by an evening of
performances featuring John Mayer, Josh Groban and additional Grammy
Award-winning artists. Sean "Diddy" Combs is slated to host the after party
at Shrine Nightclub.
http://www.greeleytribune.com/article/20080528/NEWS/832087448/-1/rss02Dozens of Denver teachers call in sick in apparent protest
DENVER - Dozens of teachers in two Denver public schools called in sick
Tuesday in an apparent protest over contract negotiations.
Every teacher at Academia Ana Marie Sandoval called in sick, including the
music teacher and a librarian, and 12 of the 30 teachers at McGlone
Elementary were also absent, school officials said.
Denver Public Schools Superintendent Michael Bennet said he was unaware of
other schools having the same problem and that the district would
investigate whether teachers were abusing their sick-day privileges.
Denver Classroom Teachers Association President Kim Ursetta said the union
is not encouraging teachers to call in sick.
Disagreements over pay between teachers and Denver Public Schools stalled
contract negotiations on May 16.
Thursday is the last day of school for most DPS students.
"I think everyone's time would be better spent making sure our kids finish
the year well," Bennet said.
Sandoval Elementary Principal Debra Lucero Kraft said she found substitute
teachers for almost all of the 16 teachers who were absent but had to get an
administrative assistant, the school psychologist and a literacy coach to
pitch in for the rest.
Kraft said she didn't know what the teachers were trying to accomplish.
"But certainly I'm not sure if leaving your students without a teacher is a
way to address contract negotiations,
" she said.
McGlone Elementary Principal Ann Alley-Walker said she was able to find
substitutes to cover all the school's classes.
--- Information from: Rocky Mountain News, http://insidedenver.com/
http://www.cfnews13.com/News/Local/2008/5/22/teachers_plan_protest_in_wake_of_layoffs.html?refresh=1
Teachers Plan Protest Impending Layoffs
Friday, May 23, 2008 12:09:29 AM
VOLUSIA COUNTY -- Teachers said they feel deceived by district officials.
Andrew Sparr, the teacher's union president, told News 13 teachers were
first told there would be few layoffs, but said now all that has changed.
The teachers are now planning a major protest next week, calling on three
different unions and parents to demonstrate against school district
officials.
"We're now hearing the number could be as high as a hundred. A hundred
teachers will get a pink slip," said Sparr.
A spokesperson with the school district told News 13 the district had warned
500 positions would be eliminated.
Those cuts include unfilled positions as well as teachers who planned to
retire.
The union said the district should let them know by June 9 what teachers
will stay and which ones will go.
http://www.cfnews13.com/News/Local/2008/5/27/volusia_teachers_protest_potential_school_closings_job_cuts.html?refresh=1Volusia Teachers Protest Potential School Closings, Job Cuts
Tuesday, May 27, 2008 1:29:22 AM
Tools: E-mail | Print | Feedback |
DELAND -- Teachers planned to against the way the county was handing massive
budget cuts.
The Volusia County School District said up to 500 positions could be
eliminated, because of funding cuts from Tallahassee and declining
enrollment.
Several schools were already set to close this summer.
The three unions representing school workers in the county said they would
rally outside school board headquarters during the group's meeting Tuesday.
The board was expected to decide on many of the planned cuts at the meeting,
scheduled to start at 4:30 p.m.
http://articles.latimes.com/2008/jun/04/business/fi-vegas4Workers walk out to protest safety at Vegas Strip project
June 04, 2008
LAS VEGAS - Construction workers picketed on the Las Vegas Strip today after
walking off a massive casino construction project over safety concerns at
the site where six workers have died since 2006.
Dozens of workers at each corner of MGM Mirage Inc.'s CityCenter site
chanted "No more deaths" and called for cars to honk their horns, while
leaders of the Southern Nevada Building and Construction Trades Council
negotiated with the project's general contractor, Perini Building Co.
Work was halted as the various building trades honored the picket line at
the $9.2 billion complex, which company officials have called the most
expensive private commercial development in U.S. history.
Talks broke down Monday night, and most of the workers left the 66-acre site
at midnight, said Steve Ross, the council's secretary treasurer.
"We've been moving in the right direction," Ross said Tuesday. "It's time to
kick it up a notch."
Union officials were seeking safety training for workers, an immediate
inspection of the site and full access for safety and union officials.
A Perini official in Las Vegas had no comment and referred questions to Doug
Mure, the company's vice president of human resources and risk management at
Perini's headquarters in Framingham, Mass. Mure did not immediately return a
call seeking comment.
A spokesman for MGM Mirage said the matter was between the workers and the
contractor.
"We fully support Perini, its subcontractors and unions all continuing their
work together to encourage individual adherence to workplace safety
practices," MGM Mirage spokesman Alan Feldman said.
Ross and union consultant Steve Redlinger said a Tuesday afternoon meeting
had been set with Perini to continue negotiations. Both said the sides
seemed to agree on major principles, but not on enough details to end the
strike.
"There are no major sticking points," Ross said.
The latest death came Saturday when a 39-year-old crane maintenance worker
was crushed between the track of a construction crane and its counterweight
system, authorities said.
"A lot of people have died - too many," said Paul Jones, 47, an electrician
walking the picket line near the construction offices at the back of the
nearby New York-New York Hotel and Casino.
"They need to tighten safety up," Jones said.
CityCenter is expected to open in 2009 with a 4,000-room hotel-casino,
condominiums, boutique hotels and a retail, dining and entertainment
complex.
Dubai World, the investment arm of the Persian Gulf state of Dubai, spent
almost $5 billion to buy half ownership in CityCenter and acquire 9.4% of
MGM Mirage.
http://www.bizjournals.com/dallas/stories/2008/05/26/daily27.html?ana=from_rssBoston skycaps protest American's no tip policy
Dallas Business Journal
American Airlines skycaps in Boston on Thursday launched a protest at Logan
International Airport calling for the airline to reverse its ban on tips.
Skycaps handed out leaflets at terminal entrances asking for public support
in their efforts to get American and other airlines to change their policy
of charging $2 per bag for curbside check-in and demanding an end to
American's "no tip" policy.
The skycaps claim they have lost tips because many passengers mistake the
fee for a tip, or will not tip in addition to paying the charge.
A federal judge in Boston is expected hold a hearing Thursday on the
skycaps' request that the court order the "no tip" policy to be lifted.
Earlier this month, American said it would no longer allow tips for skycaps
at Logan Airport after a federal jury last month ordered the Fort
Worth-based airline to pay $325,000 in back wages to nine Boston-based
skycaps. The airline is appealing the verdict.
Skycaps protesting Thursday charge that American installed its "no tip"
policy in retaliation against the skycaps who won the suit.
"In light of American Airlines' announcement last week that it will begin
charging $15 for the first bag checked by every passenger, it does not make
sense that American would insist on continuing to charge $2 in cash for
every bag checked by a skycap," said Shannon Liss-Riordan, the lead attorney
in the skycaps' lawsuit.
"After skycaps in Boston sued the airline over this policy and won, you
would think American would reconsider this charge that has devastated
skycaps, who earn less than minimum wage," said Liss-Riordan. "While
passengers may understand the airline's need to raise ticket prices in light
of rising fuel costs, they do not understand why the airlines need to nickel
and dime them with ridiculous charges that hurt hard working employees."
American has said it decided to ban skycap tips at Logan Airport to comply
with a Massachusetts tips law. The airline said G2 Services, the vendor that
provides skycap and other services to American Airlines at Logan Airport,
would give Boston skycaps immediate hourly wage increases. However, a Boston
Globe newspaper report on Thursday said the skycaps have not yet received
those raises.
Groups representing the skycaps said they will continue to hand out leaflets
next week and plan to expand the protest to other airports in the country.
"We are appealing to travelers, as they are the ones ultimately hurt by the
airlines' anti-worker policies," said Russ Davis, executive director of Jobs
With Justice which is organizing support for the skycaps. "Customer services
have languished while fees that only support airline greed skyrocket."
Hurt by soaring jet fuel prices, American Airlines last week said it is
trying to cut costs by charging $15 per checked bag, reducing its domestic
flight schedule by about 12 percent, retiring aircraft and laying off
thousands of workers. American is owned by AMR Corp. (NYSE: AMR)
http://www.khon2.com/news/local/22212314.htmlHawaii Carpenters Protest Developers
By Olena Rubin
Over 150 members of the carpenters union held a march through downtown
Honolulu Friday, they say its all about getting paid what they are worth and
what they think is fair.
"You don't care, pay us fair," protestors said.
Men and women who are members of the Hawaii Carpenters Union say jobs are
becoming harder to find...they say Canadian based developer Ledcor U.S.
Pacific Construction is cutting the standard rate of pay.
"They taking our money, they taking our wages, they taking our future," a
protestor said.
"They are cutting corners not paying area standard wages to their workers,"
Hawaii Carpenters Union Lance Yoshimura said.
Union members complain workers are being subcontracted at sites which
include luxury downtown high-rise The Pinnacle and Cook Street and Kapiolani
Boulevard development The Vanguard Lofts, they say they reduce workers pay.
"How can a person adjust his lifestyle at one time making the standard wage
and then one moment getting it cut by 30-40% it's a hard way to live,"
Yoshimura said.
"We deserve to get paid for the work we do," Yoshimura said.
Pacific Resource Management, which represents the Carpenters Union says
Ledcor has been cited in the past for a number of issues.
In February a piece of rebar fell 17 stories injuring two women...the
Department of Labor and Industrial Relations cited Ledcor for 5 violations
and fined the company more than $13,000.
10 months later an immigration bust at the same location, six illegal
immigrants were removed from the job site.
At another location in Mililani two incidences, a steel frame collapsed
nearly injuring 6 workers...then another immigration bust in June 2008 where
several people were arrested for not having proper identification.
Officials from Ledcor say "the allegations are inaccurate and
irresponsible.
they strictly adhere to U.S. Immigration Law.
The developer for The Vanguard Lofts say they hire based on who is most
qualified for the job.
Story Updated: Jun 27, 2008 at 5:35 PM HDT
http://baltimore.bizjournals.com/baltimore/stories/2008/07/14/daily39.html?jst=b_ln_hl
Newspaper guild protests job cuts at Baltimore Sun
Baltimore Business Journal - by Julekha Dash Staff
More than 100 Baltimore Sun employees protested the newspaper's imminent job
cuts Thursday in a move to rally support from the community.
Members of the Washington-Baltimor
e Newspaper Guild set up 100 black chairs
affixed with pink slips outside the paper's office at 501 N. Calvert St.
Newspaper executives said last month that it will eliminate 100 positions,
including 60 in the newsroom, through buyouts, layoffs and attrition. The
cuts come on the heels of a reorganization by its parent company the Tribune
Co., which went private last year after an $8.2 billion buyout led by
Chicago real estate investor Sam Zell.
The announcement is the latest round of cuts at the daily newspaper. Earlier
this year, the Sun eliminated 45 positions through buyouts. Last year, the
newspaper eliminated 41 jobs through buyouts and laid off three employees.
"We know the managers were paying attention" at the protest, said Tanika
White, co-chair of the Sun's Guild unit. "Some managers were wearing black
in solidarity."
But the bigger goal, White said, was to engage the community and make them
aware of the ramification of 100 job losses at their local newspaper.
"A lot of people were driving by, honking and waving," White said.
The union still does not know how many employees have accepted the buyout
and how many job losses will occur in the form of layoffs.
White said morale is low in the newsroom.
The Sun will debut a redesigned newspaper in August that is more concise,
features more local news and more graphics. In April, the newspaper launched
a free daily publication, called b, aimed at younger readers.
http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/fea/breakroom/stories/DN-protest_1214gl.ART.State.Edition1.377603d.html
Dallas demonstration to support Writers Guild draws small group
TV: Marchers in support of writers protest quietly
09:43 AM CST on Friday, December 14, 2007
By TOM MAURSTAD Media Critic
tmaurstad@dallasnews.comWhat if you organized a picket line and (almost) no one came? The answer to
that question was on display to pedestrians and drivers who passed by the
Griffin Street sidewalk outside the KDFW-TV (Channel 4) station in downtown
Dallas on Thursday afternoon. A small group of protesters stood in support
of the ongoing Writers Guild of America strike, waving signs and,
occasionally, yelling rally cries - "Bring your shows back."
Also Online
Video: Writers Guild members picketing in downtown Dallas
"Dallas isn't Hollywood," says actress Lar Park Lincoln, gesturing at a
scene that, but for a few signs and protesters, looked like any downtown
street corner in the middle of an uneventful afternoon.
This prompts a question: Why picket here and now, in front of this TV
station on this day at this time? She thinks for a minute.
"I really don't know. Our district rep told us the time and location, that's
really all I know about it. They're picketing today in Austin, too. But
they're out in front of the Paramount Theatre. That's a location that makes
a little more sense, you know, symbolically.
"
A few feet away from Ms. Lincoln stands a youthful-looking man. He looks too
young to be a Hollywood writer, then again, what's too young in Hollywood?
And he is holding a striker's sign.
"That's Trevor, my son. He's 14. But I got him out of school and brought him
down here because I want him to see how things work."
Sure enough, his sign reads: "I was raised on union wages."
The half-dozen who showed up Thursday afternoon to march for two hours, with
their protest signs and T-shirts, formed less of a picket line than a picket
squiggle. Passing cars didn't slow down, pedestrians walking by barely
seemed to notice. But Ken Harrison, a guild member for 18 years, wasn't
worried.
"The strike hasn't really hit home yet," he says. "Once we get through the
holidays and people's favorite shows start running out, then people will be
paying attention."
Meanwhile, back in Hollywood, union officials representing the striking
writers said Thursday they have filed an unfair labor practices complaint
claiming studios violated federal law by breaking off negotiations Dec. 7.
http://www.14wfie.com/global/story.asp?s=8664099
Ellis Park opening marked by protestors
Posted: July 12, 2008 03:25 AM
Updated: July 16, 2008 08:14 PM
By Brandon Bartlett
Posted by Melissa Greathouse
It's a week late, but Ellis park finally opened today. The first race of the
season is always a big one -- often times drawing the largest crowds of the
year. It's always a fun day for everyone involved, but one local group says
it's a day they didn't want to see.
If you've driven past Ellis park anytime since January, chances are you've
seen them out there. They're not there to welcome you but hope instead to
turn you away.
"This is opening day and I'm not a part of it," said union Local 541 member
Abe Holtz. He worked at Ellis Park for 40 years and was there today, "Tying
to turn the business away," just as Holtz says track owner Ron Geary did to
him and other Mutuel clerks.
"Mr. Geary offered us a 40 percent cut in pay, removal of all benefits, an
offer that was totally unacceptable to us," Holtz said.
Holtz says his union wanted to extend the existing contract it had with
Ellis park. In that contract Mutuel clerks, who were part-time season
employees, were paid $16 an hour. Union members say the new contract Geary
offered them called for a pay cut, only paying them $12 an hour.
The union plans to continue its strike, mainly because Geary worked out a
deal with the Horsemen's union so why not them?
"We weren't asking for more money, nothing like that," said Union VP Brenda
Lynn. "The horsemen asked for more money and they got it for some reason, he
doesn't want a union."
"This union that is out there is not even authorized, sanctioned, or
approved by the National Labor Relations Board," said Ellis Park owner Ron
Geary. "This is not a real union."
Nevertheless Geary said he tried working with them. He confirmed the new
contract called for a pay cut but says the amount offered is in line with
other tracks in Kentucky.
"They all made less than $3,000 and only nine of them made $11,000 and from
my perspective, they're just upset they made some mistakes by walking out of
their job and being replaced and now all they are trying to do is harm Ellis
Park," Geary said.
Geary said Friday he was worried about protesters getting inside and
disrupting today's races but that didn't happen thanks to extra security on
hand for opening day.
http://www.cbs8.com/story.php?id=136117
DMV Workers Rally To Protest Executive Order
Last Updated:
07-30-08 at 5:43PM
More than 100 state Department of Motor Vehicles workers in San Diego County
today protested threats by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger to eliminate their
jobs if legislators fail to reach a budget agreement.
Schwarzenegger has threatened to cut 200,000 part-time, temporary and
contract jobs, institute a hiring freeze and lower the salaries of other
employees if a deal is not in place by Thursday, the start of the state's
pay period. The budget is nearly a month late.
Many of the affected workers are DMV employees. If they're not laid off,
their pay will be reduced to the federal minimum wage of $6.55 per hour.
"The prices of fuel are going up, food is going up, everything is going up,"
DMV employee Jeffrey Levy told KGTV.
"I will struggle," a female DMV worker said.
Brian Polejes, a union representative with the Service Employees
International Union Local 1000, said DMV personnel picketed outside offices
in Clairemont, Escondido, El Cajon, Chula Vista and Otay Mesa.
DMV workers in other parts of the state protested as well, he said.
"These workers can't afford to live on $6.55 an hour," Polejes said.
While DMV employees might bear the brunt of the governor's executive order,
workers at other agencies will also be impacted.
Lisa Davis, a San Diego employee of the state Worker's Compensation carrier,
said she's also slated for a reduction in her salary to the federal minimum
wage.
"It would really affect our livelihood," Davis said.
California is faced with a $15.2 billion deficit in the current fiscal year,
which began July 1. Democratic legislators want to close the gap with a
combination of increasing revenue and cutting services, but Republicans
don't want to raise taxes during uncertain economic conditions.
Another protest is scheduled for Thursday at the State Building in downtown
San Diego.
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2008079599_webbuscontract29m.html?syndication=rssPicket protests pay cuts for Metro Access van drivers
About 140 of King County Metro's Access van drivers will lose their jobs
next week and are being rehired for less money, following a cost-cutting
move by Metro.
By Mike Lindblom
Seattle Times transportation reporter
About 140 King County Metro Access van drivers will lose their jobs next
week and are being rehired for less money, following a cost-cutting move by
Metro.
About 25 people took part in a brief informational picket this morning. The
protest, by members of the Amalgamated Transit Union Local 587, took place
at Metro headquarters near King Street Station.
Metro had contracted with three providers to run the Access van service for
elderly and disabled riders. This spring, Metro didn't renew its contract
with the company that paid the highest salaries. MV Transportation lost a
bidding competition and will cease operating Access vans after Saturday.
The displaced MV Transportation drivers, who have been earning up to $19.90
an hour, will get $17.50 to $18 an hour, at the most, working for the other
two providers, said Paul Neil, financial secretary for Local 587. MV
Transportation'
s now-defunct union contract would have boosted wages above
$23 about four years from now, the union says.
Metro estimates it will save about $1 million a year under the new
arrangement.
Mike Lindblom: 206-515-5631 or mlindblom@seattletimes.com
http://www.ajc.com/business/content/business/stories/2008/07/24/dhl_ups_protest.html
Pilots protest DHL cargo deal at UPS headquarters
By RACHEL TOBIN RAMOS
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Published on: 07/24/08
About 50 pilots who fly for DHL showed up outside UPS' Sandy Springs
headquarters this morning to protest a proposed air cargo deal between the
two large shippers.
One pilot, John Nolan, drove seven hours from Blue Ridge, Va., with his
wife, Carrie, and children, 7-year-old Cameron and 7-month-old Jack.
Rich Addicks/raddicks@ajc.com
(ENLARGE)
Outside UPS headquarters in Sandy Springs, pilots show their disapproval for
a deal that would allow UPS to fly DHL cargo in North America.
"I'm worried about my daddy's job," Cameron said.
The pilots (and family) marched outside UPS' entrance, holding bright red
placards that read: "UPS/DHL destroying 10,000 American jobs."
Overhead, a yellow biplane flew a banner blasting the deal, and on the
street, a billboard truck explained further: "UPS: delivering pink slips."
The pilots, part of the Air Line Pilots Association union, are upset because
the proposed deal will put them out of work. The pilots fly for ASTAR, which
almost exclusively carriers cargo for DHL, the German post office owned
carrier that in 2003 made an aggressive bid to compete with UPS and FedEx on
their home turf by expanding its U.S. hub in Wilmington, Ohio. But five
years later, DHL has cried uncle, saying its U.S. operations are losing
money.
To stave off further losses, the company has proposed allowing one of its
main competitors, UPS, to fly its cargo into and throughout North America.
For UPS, it would be a $1 billion annual contract. But for two DHL cargo
contractors, ASTAR and ABX, about 1,150 pilots would lose their jobs, plus
about 8,000 other Wilmington, Ohio, workers.
In Ohio, a congressional delegation has persuaded the White House to appoint
a representative to monitor the deal. Karl Zinsmeister, director of the
White House Domestic Policy Council, President Bush's chief domestic policy
adviser, will keep on eye on the proposal, which could still be months away
from completion.
The ALPA pilots have claimed the deal could violate antitrust laws. UPS
spokesman Norman Black, who was also outside of UPS headquarters this
morning watching the protest, said, "Every lawyer for the two companies that
has examined this has concluded there are no antitrust implications."
UPS provided cold bottled water to the pilots, because, as Black said, he
wasn't sure they'd be prepared for Georgia's hot summers. The day proved
mild.
"That was very nice of them," said Capt. Pat Walsh, who represents the ASTAR
pilots in ALPA. "I hope they'll also save our jobs by walking away from this
deal."
http://www.kcra.com/politics/16974454/detail.html?rss=sac&psp=news
State Workers Protest Plan To Cut Wages
State Controller Opposes Governor's Plan
POSTED: 6:01 am PDT July 24, 2008
UPDATED: 8:32 pm PDT July 24, 2008
SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- State workers protested Thursday at the state Capitol
against a plan to roll back their wages, but the state's controller said he
opposes the idea and will continue to pay them in full.
Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger is threatening to defer wages for 200,000 state
employees, paying them federal minimum wage until lawmakers reach a budget
deal.
A spokesman for State Controller John Chiang said Thursday that he will
continue to pay workers their normal wages until the issue is resolved.
"This is a cynical attempt by a governor who has spent the past few weeks
going up and down the state criticizing others for political posturing,"
Chiang said in a statement. "Such an executive order is unnecessary and
nothing more than a poorly devised strategy to put pressure on the
Legislature to enact a budget."
Chiang also said that "the constitutional and statutory authority require
the controller to pay warrants."
"So ultimately, I'm the decision maker and I'm going to pay state employees,
dedicated public servants, their full wage," Chiang said.
The plan has state workers upset with Schwarzenegger.
"He's turning a budget process into a budget catastrophe,
" said Yvonne
Walker, president of the Service Employees International Union.
Walker called the plan "ill-advised."
"It will throw us, you know, if we're not already in a recession, it'll
throw us deeper into a recession," she said.
"I have made it crystal clear that we have, and will continue to have,
sufficient cash to make all payments, including state payroll, through
September."
- State Controller John Chiang
A spokesman for the governor, Aaron McLear, said the idea is one of several
options Schwarzenegger is considering as California faces a cash shortfall.
"Everybody agrees that we're going to run out of cash very soon," McLear
said.
The governor is contemplating signing an executive order next week that
would pay state workers the federal minimum of $6.55 an hour. That amount is
$1.45 an hour less than California's minimum wage.
This move, along with some other measures, would possibly save the state
$500 million a month in the near term.
But state workers said they would suffer.
"I'm already really struggling, and it's all I can do to get by each month,"
one worker said.
Some speculated that the plan may just be a bluff by the governor to get
lawmakers to resolve the lingering budget battle.
"That makes me even more angry, because the reality is, why would you have
people going through this kind of panic if it's not something that's real?"
Walker added.
Dave Hart, president of the California State Employees Association, calls
the order "blackmail."
"We suggest instead that the state Legislature must come back to Sacramento,
that the governor cease his barnstorming the state from one photo op to
another, and work out a budget that combines reasonable economies, new
revenues and structural change to make sure this sad cycle does not repeat
itself," Hart said in a news release.
Senate President Pro Tem Don Perata spoke at the protest, and said the
governor "should not have done this unless he was intending to do something
with it."
But the governor's staff said the plan is not a ploy, adding that the state
faces a very real money crunch.
The order would also put a hiring freeze in place for state government, ban
non-essential overtime and lay off about 22,000 temporary state workers.
The State Employment Development Department said that in Sacramento, Placer
and El Dorado counties alone, 122,500 people have state jobs, 84,300 are in
state government and the other 38,200 are in state government education.
Statewide, there are 502,600 people in state government jobs.
However, workers in government education are exempt from the proposed
action, the department said.
If the order is signed, changes would go into effect on Aug. 1.
http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080815/BUSINESS01/808150322/1002/RSS02
St. Louis workers protest closure
BY TIM HIGGINS . FREE PRESS BUSINESS WRITER . August 15, 2008
More than 450 UAW members from St. Louis protested outside Chrysler LLC's
Auburn Hills headquarters Thursday morning, unhappy with the automaker's
decision to shut down the minivan plant in that community.
"I am not just going to stand idle," said UAW Local 110 President Joe
Shields. "We're an American car company but they're taking all of our work
outside the company."
Local 110 represents workers at the St. Louis minivan plant.
Jeff Hagler, president of UAW Local 412, encouraged his Detroit-area members
to help support the protest.
"Local 110 is having some of the same problems that many" of "us are
having," Hagler wrote in an e-mail obtained by the Free Press. "Chrysler is
outsourcing our work to many other countries including some of it going" to
"third-world nations at the expense of our children's and grandchildren'
s
futures. We must send a strong message that enough is enough. We at Local
412 have made it perfectly clear to the company that we know that we can be
a world-class workforce at a competitive cost."
Mary Beth Halprin, a Chrysler spokeswoman, said the company worked with UAW
organizers to ensure a safe demonstration.
"We understand their disappointment and concerns over the difficult decision
to idle the St. Louis South Assembly Plant and reduce a shift at the St.
Louis North Assembly Plant," Halprin said in an e-mail.
http://www.theherald.co.uk/news/foreign/display.var.2426958.0.Messing_with_the_Mouse_Disney_hotel_workers_protest_conditions.php
Messing with the Mouse: Disney hotel workers protest conditions
Cinderella, Snow White, Tinkerbell and other fictional fixtures of
modern-day childhood were handcuffed, frisked and loaded into police vans at
the culmination of an industrial protest that brought a touch of reality to
the Happiest Place on Earth.
The arrest of the 32 protesters, many of whom wore costumes representing
famous Disney characters, came at the end of an hour-long march to the gates
of Disneyland in California from one of three Disney-owned hotels at the
centre of a labour dispute.
Those who were arrested sat in a circle on a busy junction outside the park
holding hands until they were placed in plastic handcuffs and led to two
police vans while hundreds of hotel workers cheered and chanted.
advertisement
The protesters were arrested on a charge of failing to obey a police officer
and two traffic infractions, and were expected to be booked and released
later, said Sergeant Rick Martinez of the Anaheim police.
Bewildered tourists in Disney T-shirts and caps filed past the commotion and
gawked at the costumed pickets as they were hauled away. The protest shut
down a main thoroughfare outside Disneyland and California Adventure for
nearly an hour.
"It's changing my opinion of Disneyland," said tourist Amanda Kosato, who
was visiting from north of Melbourne, Australia. "Taking away entitlements
stinks."
The dispute involves about 2300 maids, bell boys, cooks and dishwashers at
three Disney-owned hotels: the Paradise Pier, the Grand Californian and the
Disneyland Hotel.
